Repeat

Circumstances arise that occasionally cause one to repeat something just completed. So it was for Cindy this morning as her little angel, Max, helped himself to one of the coffee cakes she had prepared for this Sunday morning's fellowship time between worship and Sunday School. I have chronicled Max's chocolate cravings in sermons and previous writings, citing the medical treatment required for Schnauzers who eat chocolate. As a result, we are on a first name basis with the staff at the veterinary clinic that treats him, having probably contributed a significant amount of money to their children's college funds over the years!

This time, "Munching Max's" gorging did not require medical treatment, but did create extra work for his very busy master. Not only have there been extra walks required, but Cindy had to repeat the process of mixing and baking that she had already satisfactorily completed. In the busyness of our lives, having to go back to do again what we already completed is an extra step we would rather not have to take. The resulting creation, in this case a delicious coffee cake, is, however, worth the effort...at least Max and I think so.

Sometimes we find ourselves revisiting familiar things again and again with a certain degree of complaint, for the familiarity of something completed leaves us nostalgic at best, bored at worst. The study of God's word can sometimes have such a feel for us, particularly the familiar stories and characters we have studied again and again. Yet, if we are open to what God will teach us, the familiar becomes new once more as the Holy Spirit leads.

During this month of August, we are considering familiar biblical characters and stories in worship and Bible study that many of us know very well. Is there more to learn or be reminded of in the study and discussions of these texts? I believe that there is, particularly if we come to such study with open hearts and minds, anticipating, as the Psalmist wrote, that God's word "is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path." Dr. Mark Olson, President of Leland Seminary will be our guest Sunday morning, focusing his teaching on Timothy. I am looking forward to the new things God will teach us, and the timeless truths of God's word that will be affirmed as a result.

Oh, and remember to keep a perspective on the challenges that sometimes come in the midst of repeated action. Cindy, while preparing another coffee cake, mentioned the extra expense of duplicating the recipe after Max's snacking. I reminded her that sugar, eggs, and vanilla were much cheaper than a trip to the veterinary emergency clinic. In that moment, I'm not sure she appreciated my words. Perhaps by Sunday she will...if we can keep Max away from the kitchen!

Jim Abernathy